Canseco, R-San Antonio, said he called Gallego, a state representative from Alpine, today to congratulate him.

“I wish him the best,” Canseco said in a statement released by his campaign.

Canseco claimed there was widespread voter fraud across the expansive congressional district, which includes part of 29 Texas counties, as well as voters who cast ballots during early voting and then again on Election Day.

“While there is no doubt there were improperly counted votes and improperly cast ballots, a full investigation and recount would be expensive and time consuming,” Canseco said.

“I don't believe there was any voter fraud,” said Gallego, a former state prosecutor. “I was a prosecutor before I got elected. I am a big fan of law enforcement,” he said.

Gallego served 22 years in the state House before launching his congressional campaign.

Canseco was one of three Texas Republicans with tea party backing who were elected in 2010, and part of a national wave of fiscal conservatives who helped the GOP win control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill., was another prominent tea party caucus member who lost in Tuesday's election.